§100705. Availability of System units for scientific study

(a) In General.-The Secretary may solicit, receive, and consider requests from Federal or non-Federal public or private agencies, organizations, individuals, or other entities for the use of any System unit for purposes of scientific study.

(b) Criteria.-A request for use of a System unit under subsection (a) may be approved only if the Secretary determines that the proposed study-

(1) is consistent with applicable laws and Service management policies; and

(2) will be conducted in a manner that poses no threat to the System unit resources or public enjoyment derived from System unit resources.

(c) Fee Waiver.-The Secretary may waive any System unit admission or recreational use fee in order to facilitate the conduct of scientific study under this section.

(d) Benefit-Sharing Arrangements.-The Secretary may negotiate for and enter into equitable, efficient benefit-sharing arrangements with the research community and private industry.

( Pub. L. 113–287, §3, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3106 .)